Jul 27, 20193 min read

JHB | The Herb Farm Play Yard

The Herb Farm Play Yard is pretty new in Gauteng, and it's definitely one of our new favourites! It's an OUTDOOR educational Play facility, designed for children to get their hands DIRTY and play in the garden. The kids will learn about herbs, vegetables, fruit, sustainability and a healthy lifestyle.

The Herb Farm (where you'll find the Play Yard) is a botanical gem in the heart of Gauteng. Boasting over 400 herbal plants in a beautiful garden setting, allowing visitors to enjoy and learn about the wonderful world of herbs. At the Herb Farm they aim to get you passionate about Health, Wellness and Sustainability as a part of your daily lifestyle. The Herb Farm experience consist of a 70 seater Bistro, Gardenette, Play Yard, Organic Food Market plus a Training and Conference Facility.

There is so much to learn and experience at The Herb Farm. Regular events, garden shows, weekly garden talks and training courses on varying topics and school tours ensure that we share our knowledge with as many visitors as possible.

Aside from having a Play Yard set up - little ones can be creative in their 200 sqm studio and create something in the Fun Kitchen, and The Gardening or Craft Studio. For example, the last time we went the kids were baking, creating their own kitchen herb gardens to take home, making scarecrows and wind chimes. They have incredible child operators who watch the kids while you eat and drink, and it's not a crazy chaos - but more a peaceful setting where you know your child isn't going to go missing in a busy shopping mall.

They have a really beautiful setting amongst rows of herbs, greenery and little colourful mini wooden houses. In fact, it almost looks like you in Alice In Wonderland or Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse with it's pops of bright colours. There is a massive sandpit with a "mud kitchen" (outside play kitchen) which is a serious hit with the kids. There are beautiful jungle gyms, swings, and a huge ball pit and wooden teepee. It's one of the few venues that cater for small kids - right through to older children with their fun activities. The play area is protected from the sun and in the shade.

The venue also has a variety of private "sheds" where you can host your kids birthday party. It's almost like a blank canvas, and you can decorate it how you wish. Plus, they have four great birthday party package options to take away all the stress. What sounds better than having a party in a beautiful garden setting while the little ones can play, explore or be creative.

The big hit is also the FOOD! It's out of this world delicious, and we can't recommend the herb tea's (I think it was basil and strawberry, if we remember correctly?) that blew us away. We ordered about four tea pots. From real lindt hot chocolates, to delicious food that bursts with real herb flavours - your taste buds are going to be so satisfied.

The Play Yard is also ideal for school groups to get them educated on herbs, vegetables, flowers and a sustainable lifestyle! Their rules are highlighted upon entrance, and we love that wearing a sunhat and sunblock is a priority - because they really care about their littles here!

They also recently opened up their Nursery Herb Shop called The Gardenette where you can purchase herbs and plants, and there is also a venue and restaurant called the Bistro (not in the Play Yard). It's a perfect spot for a picnic, a high tea and special events (like a baby shower). On Sunday afternoon you can have Brit-like Posh-ness with The Herb Farm flair or have a private High Tea with your friends any day! The picnics also need to be booked 24 hours before, and why not try one of their platters at your picnic? Their platters are handmade by their qualified chefs using fresh, non-GMO, organic produce and free-range, grain and grass-fed meats where possible.

We can genuinely say that we always leave this venue feeling stress-free and so happy!

Operating hours: 8am – 4pm

Open: Wednesday to Sunday and Public Holidays

Fees: Weekdays – FREE Entry / Weekend + Public holidays – R 75 per child BUT babies under 2 are free

Herb Shed Creative Activities: R 75 per child (and these are SO worth it)